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Article: Dietary protein and energy as determinants of food quality: trophic strategies compared.
- Article from:
- Ecology
- Article date:
- April 1, 1995
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1995 Ecological Society of America. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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INTRODUCTION
Fundamental differences in food quality are evident when major food resource categories are compared. Protein and energy are two nutrients of particular interest to ecologists that show these differences clearly. Protein and energy are two "macronutrients" required for animal metabolism and growth. In contrast to micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and specific lipids, protein and substrates catabolized for energy must comprise most of the digestible matter in animal diets. Foods differ considerably in protein and energy content, both within and among food categories. Published data for food resources in aquatic environments provide examples ...